Spring Beauty Secrets

Carmen Mabry

Photo by Alaina Mullin

One of my first loves was art. When I was younger, I loved to draw faces using charcoals. I grew up in a family where most of the women had beautiful skin, but I always battled acne. I vividly remember my mother, aunt and my grandmothers using different products on their skin. I was fascinated by it. I recall them using Ponds Cold Cream, Buf-Pufs and Oil of Olay moisturizer. My granny used a heavy, rich cream by Mary Kay that looked like this gorgeous solid-pink balm—the smell is almost nostalgic for me now. When I was twelve, my mother put me on a skincare regimen of my own and made me wash my face twice a day. Today, after twenty-something years in the beauty industry, I am so grateful for her teaching me the art of properly caring for my skin.

Fast-forward six years. At 18 years old, I started as a part-time makeup artist for fun in the summers while also working for a makeup brand called Prescriptives. That summer, I was introduced to the joys of skincare. I learned that makeup only looks as good as the skin underneath it. I realized how important it is to recommend the correct skincare to clients. Prescriptives was very diligent about color-matching the skin, and I had great mentors in the beauty industry to train and critique me, enabling me to better help my clients.

So, what did I learn? It’s all about the base. I began learning the art of making custom foundation powders. By chopping and dicing pigments on a board and blending, I created custom concealers for clients with various skin tones and textures. This catapulted me into other incredible opportunities working for some of the best brands in the industry, including Clarins, Lancome, Christian Dior, Laprarie, CHANEL, BY Terry and Laura Mercier. Since then, I’ve had countless exciting experiences meeting wonderful clients all over the country. I truly love what I do and enjoy helping people feel good about themselves. Education is key—teaching people why it’s important to take good care of their skin and how to apply makeup correctly is vital. Makeup is fun, but true beauty is confidence and embracing what makes you you.

Anyone who knows me knows I love a fresh, natural look. These are my go-to products for achieving a natural, fresh spring look.

Carmen’s Go-to Products for a Fresh Spring Look

By Terry Moisturizing CC Cream Tint

Photo by Jakob Wandel

By Terry Moisturizing CC Cream Tint

This beautiful sheer texture tint is lightweight and effortless. It covers imperfections and evens out your skin’s tone for natural-looking skin. It also has color correctors built in it to give the skin a flawless, glowing look.



By Terry Designer Eye Palette #1 Nude

Photo by Jakob Wandel

By Terry Designer Eye Palette #1 Nude

This eye palette is gorgeous and is very versatile for daily use. It comes with 10 different color options, two eye brushes, and has a big mirror for doing your makeup on the go! The neutral tones help to achieve that classic, natural look that is perfect for Spring.

By Terry Hyaluronic Lipstick in Baby Bloom

Photo by Jakob Wandel

By Terry Hyaluronic Lipstick in Baby Bloom

This is my go-to nude pink lipstick. The subtle pink is great for spring, and its creamy consistency leaves lips hydrated and plump. To make a brighter shade of pink, layer a darker or more vibrant lip pencil or stain underneath. This beautiful formula comes in 15 shades.



Laura Mercier Cake Eyeliner in Black Ebony

Photo by Jakob Wandel

Laura Mercier Cake Eyeliner in Black Ebony

This has been one of my staple eyeliners for many years. After working 11 years as a regional makeup artist for Laura Mercier herself, she taught me the importance and impact of “tight lining” and how it brings out those beautiful eyes. She was such a big inspiration in my career and a great teacher. Your look isn’t complete without this eyeliner.

Therapy Systems Double Agent Powder Blush

Photo by Jakob Wandel

Therapy Systems Double Agent Powder Blush

This color gives anyone’s skin a healthy pop of color. Looks like you’ve got a little jog-around-theblock flush, giving you the illusion of effortless beauty. Need I say more?



Skinceuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50

Photo by Jakob Wandel

Skinceuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We all know we need to protect our skin from the harmful rays of the sun. This SPF is great because it’s a physical (not chemical) sunscreen, which is a much healthier option. It blends in easily and doesn’t look pasty on the face.

ALL PRODUCTS CAN BE FOUND AT PRIVATE EDITION IN GREEN HILLS